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Interviewing tips for success

MDS 3.0 Update, October 19, 2009

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The MDS 3.0 will implement new guidelines for conducting interviews that will help capture the voice of residents. Although adapting to this new direct interview format may be challenging, interviews under the MDS 3.0 and QIS mock survey are expected to help produce better clinical outcomes, customer satisfaction, and survey outcomes.

Tips for Success
To conduct a successful MDS 3.0 interview, LTC staff members must:

• Choose an appropriate time. Interview a resident or family member at his or her convenience. Be sure that your interview does not interrupt mealtime, an activity, a doctor’s appointment, or any previously scheduled event.

• Come to the interview with a clear mind, leave any distractions behind, and don’t allow others to interrupt the conversation. Although this is difficult to achieve, it is crucially important to creating the right environment. Your body language needs to be consistent with your words. If you tell the resident to take his or her time in responding, but you are making faces or fidgeting, the resident will recognize the inconsistency and know you are not being honest.

• Take control of the environment. Arrange a suitable environment for interviewing. The location should be quiet, private, and free from distractions. Ensure that the resident or family member is comfortable.

• Introduce yourself. You should ask permission to come into the resident’s space.

• Explain the purpose of the interview. Assure interviewees that their responses are confidential and will not be shared with their family, other staff members, or residents. Tell the interviewee why these questions are being asked.

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